Board-attachable accessory base lock

ABSTRACT

A board-attachable accessory base lock has an accessory base lock-on that can removably attach to a paddleboard or similar craft. Once the base lock-on is attached, a storage repository can be removably attached to the base lock-on. The storage repository can comprise a cooler, waterproof box, a compartmented fishing box, a crate, a minnow bucket, a fishing live well, a seat, etc. The storage repository can have no top, a hingeably attached top, a removable top, a locking top, etc. The base lock-on can attach to the board via first and second lockdown bars. These bars are designed to fit universally into the hand slot that is commonly found on boards. Once the lockdown bars are situated in the hand slot, the user simply actuates the lockdown handle to secure the lockdown bars in place. Accessory bolts provide attachment of the various storage repositories to the accessory base lock-on.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of water sports;more particularly, to paddleboards and similar conveyances; and moreparticularly still, to a board-attachable accessory base lock.

BACKGROUND

Anyone who has used a paddleboard has probably experienced a desire foran accessory carrier on the board. Paddleboarders have keys, mobilephones, wallets, cash, drinks, food, fishing gear, and many other itemsthat they would like to bring along with them on an adventure but theyhave no safe, secure, and dry location in which to carry such items.

There have been a number of attempts to address this problem. Forexample, one device known in the art utilizes one or more tie-downsaffixed to the board surface. However, such tie-downs create a safetyhazard as someone could step on, trip over, or otherwise interactnegatively with such tie-downs protruding up from the surface of theboard. Furthermore, many paddleboard owners do not wish to permanentlymodify their board by attaching tie-downs or similar mounting pointsthereto. Because of these issues with tie-downs, a number of “clean”attachment systems have arisen which utilize suction cups. However,these systems are problematic themselves: the cups can be difficult toproperly affix, they often do not maintain hold, and they quicklydegrade with exposure to sun, salt, surf, etc. These become particularlytroublesome when impacted by waves or a user's feet such that the cupsare dislodged and the box is lost over the side. People have partiallyaddressed this by using adhesives to adhere the cups or similar pads tothe board, but this again introduces modifications to the board as wellas “permanent” protrusions from the board's surface which can becumbersome and result in safety issues.

What is needed is a device that attaches securely to a paddleboard (orsimilar conveyance) without requiring installation of raised protrusionsor the use of problematic temporary attachments such as suction cups.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock comprises anaccessory base lock-on that can removably attach to a paddleboard orsimilar craft. Once the base lock-on is attached, a storage repositorycan be removably attached to the base lock-on. The storage repositorycan comprise a cooler, waterproof box, a compartmented fishing box, acrate (with or without water drainage holes), a minnow bucket, a fishinglive well, a seat, etc. The storage repository can have no top, ahingeably attached top, a removable top, a locking top, etc. The baselock-on can attach to the board via first and second lockdown bars.These bars are designed to fit universally into the hand slot or carrygrip that can be commonly found on boards. Once the lockdown bars aresituated in the hand slot, the user simply actuates the lockdown handleto secure the lockdown bars in place. Accessory bolts provide attachmentof the various storage repositories to the accessory base lock-on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a left side and bottom perspective view of anexemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side and top perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplaryembodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodimentof a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front side elevation view of an exemplaryembodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear side elevation view of an exemplary embodimentof a board-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of aboard-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of aboard-attachable accessory base lock;

FIG. 9 illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplaryembodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock highlighting aselection of components; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a right side and top perspective view of anexemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lockhighlighting first and second lockdown bars and an exemplary lockdownhandle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may bepracticed without such specific details. Furthermore, lists and/orexamples are often provided and should be interpreted as exemplary onlyand in no way limiting embodiments to only those examples.

Exemplary embodiments are described below in the accompanying Figures.The following detailed description provides a comprehensive review ofthe drawing Figures in order to provide a thorough understanding of, andan enabling description for, these embodiments. One having ordinaryskill in the art will understand that in some cases well-knownstructures and functions have not been shown or described in detail toavoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a left side and bottomperspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a board-attachableaccessory base lock 10. The board-attachable accessory base lock 10 isshown from the bottom so as to highlight the first and second lockdownbars 50 and 60 and lockdown handle 40. These components extend from theaccessory base lock-on 30. Also illustrated is an exemplary storagerepository 20, which, in this embodiment, is a five-sided box with anopen top. The storage repository can have no top, a hingeably attachedtop, a removable top, a locking top, etc. Additionally, in otherembodiments, other types of storage repositories are contemplated,including, but not limited to: a cooler, a waterproof box, acompartmented fishing box, a crate (with or without water drainageholes), a minnow bucket, a fishing live-well, a seat, etc.

To install the board-attachable accessory base lock 10 onto a board, theuser first simply inserts the first and second lockdown bars 50 and 60into the hand slot/carrying grip on the board. Because such slots arecommonly found on most boards, no modification to the board need bedone. Once the bars 50 and 60 are in place, the user can then securelylock them in position by actuating the lockdown handle 40. In theembodiment illustrate in FIG. 1, the lockdown handle 40 comprises alockdown knob and threaded adjustment rod. The first lockdown bar 50 ismounted on the threaded adjustment rod such that turning the lockdownknob forces the lockdown bar 50 towards or away from the lockdown knob.Once the lockdown bar 50 reaches the limit of the hand slot on theboard, the lockdown bars 50 and 60 are forced tightly against the sidesof the hand slot, thereby locking the accessory base lock-on 30 to theboard. And since the storage repository 20 is attached to the baselock-on 30, the repository 20 becomes removably affixed as well.

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side and top perspective view of an exemplaryembodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. Thisillustration shows how the storage repository 20 rests atop the baselock-on 30 as well as highlighting some components of this particularexemplary storage repository 20. The bottom plate 21 of the storagerepository fits against the base lock-on 30. The front wall 24 extendsupwards from the bottom plate 21. Attached to either side of the frontwall 24 and extending upwards from the bottom plate 21, are the leftwall 23 and right wall 22. Finally, attached to both the right and leftwalls 22 and 23 opposite the front wall 24 is the rear wall 25. The rearwall 25 also extends upwards from the bottom plate 21. Together thebottom plate 21 and the four walls 22-25 form a five sided box with anopen top. This is an extremely useful configuration and hence isillustrated as an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplaryembodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. In this view,the lockdown knob portion of the lockdown handle 40 is shown protrudingfrom the front face of the base lock-on 30. In other embodiments, thelockdown knob is recessed within the base lock-on 30 so as to minimizeany potential tripping hazard. Regardless of its location, turning theknob actuates the lockdown handle and moves the first lockdown bar 50left and right (i.e., towards and away from the second lockdown bar 60).The lockdown bars 50 and 60 fit down into the hand slot on mostpaddleboards. Think of the slot as being similar to that found on atoaster, although slightly larger and perhaps with finger grooves. Sincethe device can utilize this built in slot, no modifications to the boardare necessary.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side elevation view of an exemplary embodimentof a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. This view is the oppositeside of that shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front side elevation view of an exemplaryembodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. Here, thelockdown handle 40 is referenced although only the lockdown knob portionof the lockdown handle is readily apparent (see FIG. 10 for a morecomplete understanding of the lockdown handle and its subcomponents).

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear side elevation view of an exemplary embodimentof a board-attachable accessory base lock 10. As the lockdown knobportion of the lockdown handle 40 is located on the front side, it isnot visible in this Figure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of aboard-attachable accessory base lock 10. Note the rounded corners of theexemplary storage repository 20. Although not strictly necessary, thecorners help create a safer repository 20 as sharp edges/corners canotherwise be safety issues. A plurality of accessory bolts 29 are alsoillustrated in this view. The accessory bolts 29 serve to removablyattach the storage repository 20 to the base lock-on 30. In otherembodiments, other means of attaching the storage repository to the baselock-on 30 are contemplated such as dovetail slides and a lock, a leverarm that expands a member locking it in a slot, a plurality of wing-nutconnectors, one or more straps/buckles, etc. The user can remove a givenstorage repository 20 and install other variations, as described above,as the user's needs change.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary embodiment of aboard-attachable accessory base lock 10. The accessory base lock-on 30blocks the view of the storage repository 20. In this view, a pluralityof accessory bolts 29 are visible. Additional base bolts 39 serve tokeep the subcomponents of the lockdown handle 40 and the lockdown bars50 and 60 in place within the base lock-on 30. In other embodiments,other type of connectors besides base bolts 39 are contemplated. Aplurality of cut-outs 90 are also illustrated. Such cut-outs reduce theweight and material needs of the base lock-on 30, provide for waterdrainage, etc.

FIG. 9 illustrates a right side elevation view of an exemplaryembodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock highlighting aselection of components including the first and second lockdown bars 50and 60, the lockdown handle 40 (including both the lockdown knob 42 andthe threaded adjustment rod 44), and the plurality of accessory bolts29. Although the first and second lockdown bars 50 and 60 are shown withapproximately straight-sidewalls in this exemplary embodiment, in otherembodiments they may flare at the bottom or otherwise be made to flareoutwards once in place within the hand slot so as to better engage theslot and remain within it when pressure is applied to pull theboard-attachable accessory base lock 10 from the board.

FIG. 10 illustrates a right side and top perspective view of anexemplary embodiment of a board-attachable accessory base lock 10highlighting first and second lockdown bars 50 and 60 and an exemplarylockdown handle 40. In this embodiment, many of the other components arehidden so that we can highlight the fixed-attachment on the secondlockdown bar 60 (which, in other embodiments, can also be repositionableand/or part of the lockdown process, like the first lockdown bar 50). Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the threaded adjustment rod 44 isattached to the base lock-on 30 such that it can rotate freely, but notmove in or out. This free rotation allows the rod 44 to spin, whichcauses the first lockdown bar 50 to be moved left or right as thelockdown knob 42 is turned. This, in turn, causes the distance betweenthe two lockdown bars to increase (reverse to decrease) allowing them topress against the outer limits of a hand slot and thereby lock the baselock-on 30 to a board. In other embodiments, other means of locking thelockdown bars within the hand slot besides the use of the knob 42 androd 44 are contemplated. In yet other embodiments, both lockdown barsare adjusted by turning the knob (both towards each other when turned ina first direction, both away from each other when turned in a seconddirection).

In another embodiment, the second lockdown bar 60 can be spring-loadedso that once it is within the hand slot, the user can stretch to get thefirst lockdown bar 50 into the hand slot as well. Once the tension hasbeen relaxed, the lockdown handle 40 can be tightened to secure thebars.

In yet another embodiment the lockdown handle 40 can comprise a pressurearm that is lifted out and turned to tighten and then it can fold backinto its resting configuration (i.e., like the adjustable locks on aski-boot).

While particular embodiments have been described and disclosed in thepresent application, it is clear that any number of permutations,modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from thespirit and the scope of this disclosure.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the embodiments should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects with which that terminology is associated. Ingeneral, the terms used in the following claims should not be construedto be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in thespecification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitlydefines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claimsencompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalentways of practicing or implementing the claimed subject matter.

The above detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise embodiment or formdisclosed herein or to the particular fields of usage mentioned above.While specific embodiments and examples are described above forillustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possiblewithin the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant artwill recognize. Also, the teachings of the embodiments provided hereincan be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system describedabove. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described abovecan be combined to provide further embodiments.

Any patents, applications and other references that may be listed inaccompanying or subsequent filing papers, are incorporated herein byreference. Aspects of embodiments can be modified, if necessary, toemploy the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references toprovide yet further embodiments.

In light of the above “Detailed Description,” the Inventor may makechanges to the disclosure. While the detailed description outlinespossible embodiments and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matterhow detailed the above appears in text, embodiments may be practiced ina myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerablywhile still being encompassed by the spirit of the embodiments asdisclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminologyused when describing certain features or aspects should not be taken toimply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted toany specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the embodimentswith which that terminology is associated.

While certain aspects are presented below in certain claim forms, theinventor contemplates the various aspects in any number of claim forms.Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claimsafter filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms forother aspects.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of thestructure and use of exemplary implementations of the described systems,articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that manyimplementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A board-attachable accessory base lock,comprising: an accessory base lock-on; a first lockdown bar extendingdownwards from the accessory base lock-on; a second lockdown barextending downwards from the accessory base lock-on; the first andsecond lockdown bars adapted to fit within at least one carry handle ona paddleboard; a lockdown handle attached to at least one of the firstand second lockdown bars and adapted to movably adjust the position ofat least one of: the first lockdown bar relative to the second lockdownbar and the second lockdown bar relative to the first lockdown bar; thelockdown handle further adapted to lock in place to firmly secure thefirst and second lockdown bars to the paddleboard; and a storagerepository adapted to attach to the accessory base lock-on.
 2. Theboard-attachable accessory base lock of claim 1, further comprising:wherein the lockdown handle comprises at least a lockdown knob and anadjustment rod; and the first lockdown bar is mounted on the adjustmentrod such that turning the lockdown knob a first direction causes thefirst lockdown bar to move towards the second lockdown bar and turningthe lockdown knob a second direction causes the first lockdown bar tomove away from the second lockdown bar.
 3. The board-attachableaccessory base lock of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the lockdownhandle comprises at least a lockdown knob and an adjustment rod; and thesecond lockdown bar is mounted on the adjustment rod such that turningthe lockdown knob a first direction causes the second lockdown bar tomove towards the first lockdown bar and turning the lockdown knob asecond direction causes the second lockdown bar to move away from thefirst lockdown bar.
 4. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim1, wherein the storage repository comprises: a front wall extendingupwards from a bottom plate, the bottom plate removably attached to theaccessory base lock-on; a left wall attached to a left side of the frontwall and extending upwards from the bottom plate; a right wall attachedto a right side of the front wall and extending upwards from the bottomplate; a rear wall attached to both the right wall and the left wall andextending upwards from the bottom plate; and the walls and bottom plateconfigured such that together a five sided box with an open top isformed.
 5. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 1, whereinthe storage repository has at least one rounded corner.
 6. Theboard-attachable accessory base lock of claim 4, wherein the storagerepository has at least one rounded corner.
 7. The board-attachableaccessory base lock of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality ofaccessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository tothe base lock-on; and the plurality of accessory bolts bolting thestorage repository to the base lock-on.
 8. The board-attachableaccessory base lock of claim 2, further comprising: a plurality ofaccessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository tothe base lock-on; and the plurality of accessory bolts bolting thestorage repository to the base lock-on.
 9. The board-attachableaccessory base lock of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality ofaccessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository tothe base lock-on; and the plurality of accessory bolts bolting thestorage repository to the base lock-on.
 10. The board-attachableaccessory base lock of claim 6, further comprising: a plurality ofaccessory bolts adapted to removably attach the storage repository tothe base lock-on; and the plurality of accessory bolts bolting thestorage repository to the base lock-on.
 11. A board-attachable accessorybase lock, comprising: an accessory base lock-on having a plurality ofcut-outs, the cut-outs adapted to provide for water drainagetherethrough; a first lockdown bar extending downwards from theaccessory base lock-on; a second lockdown bar extending downwards fromthe accessory base lock-on; the first and second lockdown bars adaptedto fit within at least one carry handle on a paddleboard; a lockdownhandle attached to at least one of the first and second lockdown barsand adapted to movably adjust the position of at least one of: the firstlockdown bar relative to the second lockdown bar and the second lockdownbar relative to the first lockdown bar; the lockdown handle furtheradapted to lock in place to firmly secure the first and second lockdownbars to the paddleboard; and a storage repository adapted to attach tothe accessory base lock-on, the storage repository configured tocomprise as at least one of: a cooler, a waterproof box, a fishing box,a crate, a minnow bucket, a fishing live well, and a seat.
 12. Theboard-attachable accessory base lock of claim 11, further comprising:wherein the lockdown handle comprises at least a lockdown knob and anadjustment rod; and the first lockdown bar is mounted on the adjustmentrod such that turning the lockdown knob a first direction causes thefirst lockdown bar to move towards the second lockdown bar and turningthe lockdown knob a second direction causes the first lockdown bar tomove away from the second lockdown bar.
 13. The board-attachableaccessory base lock of claim 11, further comprising: wherein thelockdown handle comprises at least a lockdown knob and an adjustmentrod; and the second lockdown bar is mounted on the adjustment rod suchthat turning the lockdown knob a first direction causes the secondlockdown bar to move towards the first lockdown bar and turning thelockdown knob a second direction causes the second lockdown bar to moveaway from the first lockdown bar.
 14. The board-attachable accessorybase lock of claim 11, wherein the storage repository comprises: a frontwall extending upwards from a bottom plate, the bottom plate removablyattached to the accessory base lock-on; a left wall attached to a leftside of the front wall and extending upwards from the bottom plate; aright wall attached to a right side of the front wall and extendingupwards from the bottom plate; a rear wall attached to both the rightwall and the left wall and extending upwards from the bottom plate; andthe walls and bottom plate configured such that together a five sidedbox with an open top is formed.
 15. The board-attachable accessory baselock of claim 11, wherein the storage repository has at least onerounded corner.
 16. The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim14, wherein the storage repository has at least one rounded corner. 17.The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 11, furthercomprising: a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attachthe storage repository to the base lock-on; and the plurality ofaccessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on. 18.The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 12, furthercomprising: a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attachthe storage repository to the base lock-on; and the plurality ofaccessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on. 19.The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 13, furthercomprising: a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attachthe storage repository to the base lock-on; and the plurality ofaccessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on. 20.The board-attachable accessory base lock of claim 16, furthercomprising: a plurality of accessory bolts adapted to removably attachthe storage repository to the base lock-on; and the plurality ofaccessory bolts bolting the storage repository to the base lock-on.